2004 BMW R1200 GS recalls and problems

3 recalls and 4 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 BMW R1200 GS.

3
recalls
4
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 BMW R1200 GS recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

NHTSA campaign 06V164000 · reported May 15, 2006 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 13,200 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain motorcycles, under rapid, repeated, and unusually harsh braking, loss of ABS capability could temporarily occur.
The risk
Temporary loss of ABS braking could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will add a physical restriction, in the form of a banjo bolt with a flow restrictor to the brake line, and on certain models dealers will install new front brake discs of a slightly larger thickness free of charge. The recall began on june 5, 2006, and will be a phased mailing through october 2006. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Service brakes, hydraulic

NHTSA campaign 06V134000 · reported April 24, 2006 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 9,260 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain motorcycles, if certain procedures are performed that involves removal of the front left brake caliper, the ABS sensor cable can be routed incorrectly and when the caliper is reinstalled, the sensor cable can come into contact and rub against the front brake disc. Overtime, if the chafing becomes severe, it is possible to lose the ABS function.
The risk
Loss of ABS function could increase the risk of a crash during certain riding conditions.
The fix
Dealers will attach additional retaining clips free of charge to the ABS sensor cable, which will provide a more secure connection to the wheel carrier. The recall began on june 5, 2006, and will be a phased mailing through october 2006. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump

NHTSA campaign 05V082000 · reported March 3, 2005 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 3,084 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain motorcycles, the defect involves a water leak around the fuel pump that is integrated within the fuel tank. An o-ring seal attached to the pump's electronic housing does not meet specifications and water can bypass this seal and contact the pump electronics.
The risk
Engine stalling, or a failure to start, could occur without prior warning. If stalling were to occur while the motorcycle was being driven, the rider would be unable to maintain speed or accelerate and a crash could occur without prior warning.
The fix
Dealers will replace a sealing ring. If the fuel pump electronic unit is corroded, it will be replaced free of charge. The recall began may 9, 2005. Additional my 2005 r1200 gs motorcycles were added to this recall in december 2005. Owners of my 2005 motorcycles will receive a notification during february 2006 through august 2006. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jan 15, 2011 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 45,000 miles

RIDING THE BIKE SLOWLY (ABOUT 40 KPH) AND BRAKED HEAVILY. DISINTEGRATION OF REAR WHEEL CARRIER (FLANGE) ON BMW GS1200 (2004) . THIS BILLET ALUMINUM FLANGE IS THE SINGLE COMPONENT CONNECTING THE REAR WHEEL WITH THE MOTORCYCLE. AND ALSO THE BRAKE DISK. THE PART BROKE APART UNDER HEAVY BRAKING AND THE BRAKE DISK…

Dec 10, 2009 · Suspension · 36,250 miles

STRESS FRACTURE ON BMW GS1200 (2004) REAR WHEEL ATTACHMENT FLANGE. THIS BILLET ALUMINUM FLANGE IS THE SINGLE COMPONENT CONNECTING THE REAR WHEEL WITH THE MOTORCYCLE. CRITICAL FAILURE WILL CERTAINLY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. BMWNA INDICATE THAT THIS IS A NORMAL WEAR ITEM AND OFFER NO RECOURSE TO CORRECT.

Jul 4, 2007 · Unknown or other · 6,000 miles

I HAVE A 2007 BMW R1150 GS MOTORCYCLE WITH A FAILING SIGHT GLASS. IT HAS NOT MELTED, BUT HAS A WHITE HALO AROUND THE OUTSIDE EDGE WHICH INDICATES OVERHEATING OF THE SIGHT GLASS. ACTION NUMBER ON THIS ISSUE IS PE07031.

Sep 1, 2006 · Power train · 29,500 miles

FINAL DRIVE SEAL BLEW OUT AFTER ONLY 30K MILES.

R1200 GS model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2004 3400
2005 95130
2006 9900
2007 64230

Across all years, the 2005 R1200 GS has the most complaints (51). All BMW R1200 GS years →

Questions

Does the 2004 BMW R1200 GS have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2004 BMW R1200 GS, the most recent reported on May 15, 2006 (Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 BMW R1200 GS?
Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (1 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (1).
How many 2004 BMW R1200 GS complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 4 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 15, 2011.